Day 6 of NM Vac - Santa Fe

We have been on the go so much this week that we decided to stay in Santa Fe today and not do as much driving. Slept in, late breakfast and then went to the Plaza area where we walked for blocks, blocks and more blocks. Besides touring 3 missions/churchs and doing some serious shopping, we walked up streets and down numerous alleys looking at the old Spanish-Pueblo architure. My feet are never going to be the same after this trip! I have seen a lot of "Indian Jewelry" since we have been in the Southwest but have never seen the quality products that we have seen here in various gallerys. The pieces are absolutely beautiful and the detail is unbelieveable.

San Miguel Mission Church (see picture) is one of the country's oldest churches in continuous use. It was constructed in 1610 and was burned during the Pueblo Indian rebellion of 1680 although the sturdy, thick adobe walls remained unharmed. A bell cast in Spain in 1356 is displayed in the church entry. The bell was used in churches in Spain and Mexico before being brought to Santa Fe by oxcart in the early 19th century from Mexico.

Unlike Taos, Santa Fe seems to have embraced their heritage and it plays a very important place in the city's life. You don't feel like it was all done just to get your tourist dollars. The old houses have been maintained with pride and it really shows. You see new building in the area but they are still built in the Spanish-Pueblo style and painted the earth brown colors. Instead of fences around places there are adobe walls. Even fast-food places and shopping centers are in the Spanish-Pueblo building style. The people who live here seem to respect the tourist and what they bring to the economy - not just as someone to get as much money from in any way possible.

The Santa Fe Indian School is located here and was established in the mid-1800's. It is a boarding school for middle and high school students from the 18 pueblos (villages) that built and support it. It is huge with dorms for the students.

We really enjoyed Santa Fe and would love to return again.